2018 Santa Venere, Cirò Rosso Classico DOC, Calabria, Italy

Grape variety: Gaglioppo organically cultivated

Alcohol: 13.5 %

Vinification details: Santa Venere is traditionally Calabrian in the sense that their vines are part of a polycultural estate, growing alongside olives, while Charolais cattle are bred for cheese production nearby. Their 150 hectares, 25 of which are under vine, are close to Cìro and only half a kilometre from the Ionian Sea, where the Scala family have farmed since the 17th century.

Maturing period: In stainless steel tanks for 9 months, in the bottle for 2 months.

APPEARANCE AND TASTE: Bright fruit upfront and then some good acidity and gentle tannin.